Description

You will spend a semester in Chiang Mai, studying Thai culture, language, and society at Payap University and engaging in substantive volunteer service for 10-15 hours per week. Your volunteer service immerses you in the culture and deepens your understanding of Thai society in a way that goes beyond that experienced in traditional study abroad programs. It also contributes to your knowledge and use of the Thai language.

Volunteer Services:
After a week of orientation to Chiang Mai and Payap, you will visit various service agencies; service assignments will begin shortly thereafter. As you work with local people and care for those in need, you will find your experience and understanding of the culture enriched and deepened, your leadership skills developed, and your language skills enhanced.

You will serve approximately 10-15 hours per week in a local agency. Service opportunities for most students center around:

- services to disadvantaged children
- English language consulting and/or tutoring related work in which Thai language is not a barrier.

Additional service opportunities can be arranged depending on your Thai language ability. These may include work with:

- schools for the deaf and blind
- environmental programs
- hospitals and rehabilitation centers
- organizations serving the elderly and the handicapped, Burmese refugees/immigrants, street children, hill tribe girls, sex workers, or farmers who are seeking another means of livelihood.

Highlights

In the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand is a land of contrasts: gorgeous countryside of rice fields, mountains, hills, and ancient temples; bustling city life in the capital, Bangkok; and beaches world-famous for diving and snorkeling. A largely Buddhist society, Thailand's population is varied with many tribal groups and immigrants. Through service-learning, you will learn about Thai culture, religion, and contemporary social issues while addressing social and economic problems caused by globalization and rapid development. Set amidst the cool and beautiful mountains of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has the advantages of a city but with the feel of a small town where the old style of Thai living is preserved.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications

The program welcomes students of any nation. TOEFL equivalent 550.

Minimum Education

High School

Languages

• Thai
• English

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please inquire about fees.

Program Fees Include:

Fees include: instruction; administrative fees; orientation; service placement and supervision; health insurance; accommodation, and some meals. Personal expenses not covered by fees include: airfare; books; local transportation; inexpensive school uniforms; and spending money.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

Must be 18 years of age to participate

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays
• Dormitory

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Alumni Network

International Partnership for Service-Learning and Leadership's Mission Statement

IPSL has two related missions: 1) offering programs uniting academic study and volunteer service to the community in international/intercultural settings that are models for the practice of service-learning, and 2) promoting the theory and practice of service-learning through research, publications, conferences, and training. IPSL endeavors to engage students, educators, and community members in the union of service and learning so that all may become more civically engaged, interculturally literate, internationally aware, and responsive to the needs of others.

Year Founded

1982